Greens say vastly improved mental health services and a healthier society needed as suicide rates in England rise

4 February 2016

*The suicide rate in England increased in 2014 to 10.3 deaths per 100,000

The leader of the Green Party has called for a concerted national effort to cut rates of suicide after figures published by the ONS today showed a continued rise in suicide rates in England [1].

Natalie Bennett said:

"The disastrous policy of austerity needs to be addressed for its many negative impacts on the wellbeing of individuals and society, but particularly in the area of mental health services. Beyond thinking about funding health care, we also need to focus on the reasons for the increasing rates of mental ill health - our profoundly unhealthy society.

“Inequality, financial desperation and economic stress are contributing to mental health problems. We want to make sure that people have the opportunity to thrive and be healthy with more jobs that people can really build a life around. That means decent benefits for all who need them and a transformation of our workplaces - firms paying fair wages and employment conditions that offer security and certainty."

ENDS

Notes:

[1] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational-health4/suicides-in-the-united-kingdom/2014-registrations/index.html

[2] http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/nov/12/austerity-a-factor-in-rising-suicide-rate-among-uk-men-study

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